The New York Jets rewarded tight end Ryan Griffin with a multi-year extension on Saturday.
The night before they host the Oakland Raiders, the New York Jets announced the signing of tight end Ryan Griffin to a multi-year deal.
Griffin signed with the Jets this offseason and has been an excellent replacement for second-year TE Chris Herndon, who had been suspended for four games to start the season and was eventually placed on IR.
The seventh-year pro has started all 10 games for the Jets this season. He leads the team in receiving touchdowns (4), is fourth in receptions (25) and is fifth in receiving yards (269). This extension comes on the heels of Griffin’s monster game in Week 11 against the Redskins in which he tallied five receptions for 109 yards and one touchdown.
Sam Darnold has leaned on Griffin all season as a security blanket. With a sub-par offensive line, Griffin’s ability to be a quick check option has been very useful. He also has deceptive speed which has allowed him on multiple occasions to break away from pursuing defenders.
Griffin’s extension means the Jets see him as a part of their future, rather than a one-year rental. As the offense continues to find its groove, expect Griffin to have an even bigger role in the passing game.
The Jets could showcase a two-headed monster at the tight end position (12 personnel) next season if things go according to plan with Herndon. There could even be a battle entering training camp for that TE1 spot.
Before signing with the Jets, Griffin had been a member of the Houston Texans. In six seasons with Houston, Griffin amassed 1,760 yards and 11 touchdowns. In 10 games with New York, he already has more than a quarter of his total career touchdowns.
